[ LETTER ]

Leaders Turn Lakeland Around

Published: Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 12:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 8:33 p.m.

City of Lakeland leaders have accomplished an amazing turnaround in the appearance of downtown Lakeland. When I became a resident of Lakeland in the mid-1980s, the downtown area was awash with empty, crumbling storefronts.

Munn Park was rumored to be a haven for drug dealers and sexual predators. In no way could one feel safe, even in the daylight.

Then fast-forward to conditions of today. Deteriorating buildings have been torn down and replaced with grassy areas displaying art objects.

The remaining buildings have been remodeled and are mostly occupied by retail businesses.

Couples can be seen strolling through Munn Park and the Lake Mirror promenade, even at late hours of the evening. I always take my visitors on a tour of the downtown Lakeland area, and their comments are always complimentary.

My hat's off to the city leaders responsible for the amazing revitalization of downtown Lakeland.

<p>City of Lakeland leaders have accomplished an amazing turnaround in the appearance of downtown Lakeland. When I became a resident of Lakeland in the mid-1980s, the downtown area was awash with empty, crumbling storefronts.</p><p>Munn Park was rumored to be a haven for drug dealers and sexual predators. In no way could one feel safe, even in the daylight.</p><p>Then fast-forward to conditions of today. Deteriorating buildings have been torn down and replaced with grassy areas displaying art objects.</p><p>The remaining buildings have been remodeled and are mostly occupied by retail businesses.</p><p>Couples can be seen strolling through Munn Park and the Lake Mirror promenade, even at late hours of the evening. I always take my visitors on a tour of the downtown Lakeland area, and their comments are always complimentary.</p><p>My hat's off to the city leaders responsible for the amazing revitalization of downtown Lakeland.</p><p>RON THOMPSON</p><p>Lakeland</p>